Think feeding your garden simply means sprinkling fertiliser around every spring?

Not quite. A few small details can make the difference between feeding your plants well and simply wasting fertiliser.

Here are 8 things every gardener should know about spring feeding.

1. More fertiliser does not mean faster growth

Plants can only use a certain amount of nutrients. Applying extra won't make them grow twice as fast and too much fertiliser  can damage roots and foliage. Always follow the recommended dose.

2. Don't feed a plant just because the calendar says it's spring

Feed according to growth, not simply the month. In the Western Cape, different plants wake up at different times. Warm-season lawns such as Kikuyu, for example, are better fed once you see active new growth.

3. Never assume all plants want the same fertiliser

A rose, lawn  and fynbos plant have very different nutritional needs. Some indigenous plants — particularly fynbos — are adapted to nutrient-poor soils and can be sensitive to high levels of phosphorus. One fertiliser definitely does not fit all.

4. Fertilising very dry soil can do more harm than good

If the soil is extremely dry, water first and feed afterwards. Moist soil helps distribute nutrients around the root zone and reduces the risk of concentrated fertiliser damaging roots.

5. Granular fertiliser generally needs watering in

Sprinkling fertiliser onto the soil is only half the job. Watering afterwards helps move soluble nutrients down towards the roots where the plant can actually use them. Always check the product instructions, though, as formulations differ.

6. The roots aren't necessarily where the trunk is

For established trees and shrubs, many of the actively absorbing roots extend outwards beneath the plant's canopy. Concentrating fertiliser in a little heap against the stem or trunk isn't the best way to feed them — and can cause damage.

7. Yellow leaves don't automatically mean “needs fertiliser”

Yellow foliage can be caused by nutrient deficiency, but also by overwatering, poor drainage, incorrect soil pH, cold weather or root problems. Adding fertiliser without understanding the cause can sometimes make matters worse.

8. The best fertiliser is the one suited to what you're growing

Flowering plants, lawns, vegetables, roses, acid-loving plants and indigenous plants all have products formulated for their particular needs. Before buying, ask yourself three simple questions: What am I feeding? How do I apply it? How often should I use it?

Cape Garden Tip: Healthy spring growth starts below the soil. Feed thoughtfully now, and your garden will thank you as the warmer months arrive.

Shop a variety of fertiliser and feed for your garden online here